At Brookville, New Lebanon and Main Dayton Metro Libraries

Paul Laurence Dunbar died more than 110 years ago, yet he remains one of Dayton’s most celebrated citizens. Karen D. Brame discusses his life, friendships and legacy in her program, “He Had His Dream: A Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar” at three Dayton Metro Library locations:

Dunbar was the first African-American poet to be nationally recognized for his work.

"Audiences today need to learn of and celebrate the depth and breadth Paul Laurence Dunbar created in his art, especially regarding the diversity of Black cultural life,” says Ms. Brame. “Although he would write 12 books of poetry, he was greater than simply a poet. In his brief life, which spanned 33 years, Dunbar authored articles in international publications, four novels, four collections of short stories, lyrics for a musical, and a play!”

Ms. Brame is an adjunct professor of Humanities, Government and Modern Languages at Sinclair Community College, and adjunct professor of Education, Humanities and Arts & Social Sciences at Central State University. She specializies in work regarding the African American experience, from its origins in Africa to present-day experiences in the United States.

The Library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Events Calendar at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Events or call 937.463.2665.